A reader has provided the following explanation to the CBC’s CBC Radio’s Power & Politics team.
As I have often observed with this series, it’s difficult to be critical of libraries in Canada, especially in a climate of growing inequality and a growing sense of distrust.
But as a Canadian who is often critical of this country, I feel it’s important to point out that there are many examples of people who are willing to stand up for what they believe is right, including people who hold a position of power.
The fact that the shelves at the Toronto Public Library and the Calgary Public Library are now decorated with bookshelves of different sizes and colours, as well as having different layouts, and the fact that they have a number of staff members who are members of various groups, means that the community feels empowered.
It’s a recognition that the bookshelve is a valuable resource and that it is a resource that is being used fairly.
It also shows that the public can have a voice in the decision-making process.
In fact, I think the very fact that we are able to have these conversations about bookshelvess and bookshelving and diversity in the libraries, and to have those conversations, is a good thing.
For example, we have the Calgary Community Centre to which we donate our books and I think there are other organisations that also are willing and able to contribute to these libraries.
This is the same model that the Toronto public library is trying to adopt, and I am confident that we can have that conversation and make it happen in the long term.
I would like to thank the Toronto Community Centre for this excellent example of how we can work together to bring greater balance to libraries and our communities.
A look at how the books are being decorated.
The tables are laid out in a way that is more welcoming for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The bookshelved area has been rearranged to better match the colour of the books in the bookshelf.
The shelves are also painted in the same colours as the books on the shelves.
This is one of the many bookshelvest that have been decorated.
